It's kind of odd that the devil would be less frightening than Hannibal Lecter, isn't it? But there you have it, The Rite. It's not a movie that will scare you into setting up shop underneath the bed for a week, but it has it's moments of suspense and intensity...all anchored by the ever threatening, "Inspired by true events..." tag.
Meet Michael Kovak (Colin Donoghue). Michael grew up around the family business. Not a scarring thought until you realize that the family biz is a mortuary and funeral home. Such a bleak home environment has created an equally bleak young man. With that, he's pressured to find a career path as either a priest or a mortician. Why flipping burgers at McDonald's was not an option, I'll never understand. With but two options, Michael picks seminary school, but he has his doubts. His doubts center on the reality of a divine presence, which of course sparks doubt in a demonic presence. Despite acing everything in school, with the exception of theology, he's considering leaving the church. That is, until he's told to pay back $100,000 in school bills unless he follows a directive that sends him to Rome. It seems that the church is experiencing an explosive growth in exorcism. Michael is sent to Rome to learn more, specifically under the tutelage of Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins).
Under Father Lucas' wings, Michael sees more of, oh could it be...SATAN!?!...than he ever cared to--not that he's necessarily convinced. Actually, despite a demon-possessed girl telling him unknowable things from his childhood, not to mention, spitting up nails, Michael still thinks the chick is in need of a psychiatrist more so than divine intervention. Then, things get tricky. The ole demon leaves the girl in search of another home and Yadayadayada Michael is forced to find God in order to overcome the devil.
It's okay. I'll go with 2.5 Stars. It's a story of finding one's self and one's faith. It's interesting and, at times, intense and suspenseful. There were even a couple of surprise 'make ya jump outta your undies' moments--I'm just glad I didn't go with my friend, Phillip, who has been known to kick me in the head in the midst of one of those 'Ah-AHH...GOTCHA!!!' moments. He's also been known to meow during a completely silent theatre, but I digress. Yes, I was geared up to leave the lights on all night in fright, but alas, no need. It's really not scary. Actually, it's more frustrating than scary. Within the context of the story, I would have liked to have slapped ole Michael upside the head at times. I mean, come on...you've got a chick spitting up nails and telling you things about yourself that she couldn't possibly know, then you sit down with the ole padre and tell him she just needs a shrink? If that isn't a benchmark, "Pull your head out of your ass" moment sonny boy, what the hell would be?
Anthony Hopkins is always amazing and he doesn't disappoint here. His signature character is Lecter, and this character comes no where near him. Alas, Hopkins is always going to do 'scary' well. Just one of his deadened, glazed looks is enough to make my hair stand on end. Meanwhile, newcomer Colin Donoghue is solid as well. Despite my frustration with his character as detailed above, Donoghue was good and quite believable as the dazed and confused man of the cloth.
No need to go BIG on this one, though. Just turn the lights out and hope for the best when it comes out on Blu-Ray in June.
True...OUT!
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